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The first hint of morning began to fill the night sky, barely disturbing the room where two figures were sleeping. The sumptuous bed chamber was lit by the dying flames of the oil soaked lamps. Beyond the massive bed, two large forms lied across multiple cushions. Anyone entering the room would have promptly died of fright by the site of two adult screecats dozing quietly on the floor. A sound coming from the bed broke the deep silence of the room. Pushing the silken sheets aside, a heavily muscled man slipped out from under them. Sitting up he placed his feet on the marbled floor. Rubbing his eyes, he stretched his honed physique this way and that. Scratching at his chin beard he stood. Looking back, he watched his mate as he continued to sleep.

Walking towards the open terrace he approached the low stone wall. He smiled, looking out over the vast city that spread out before him. Had it really been two years since the day he met the dragon? So much had occurred in those few years. It seemed like a lifetime ago.

The beam of sunlight from the window made the figure in the bed rolled over and draped one of his wings over his face. “Ten more minutes,” he grumbled in his sleep, “It’s too early for wake up calls.” It was then the male screech stretched and hearing the winged figure jumped on the bed and began licking his master awake. “Two Fang!” giggled the dragon, “Stop! That tickles! Alright! I’m up! I’m up!”

Aramis let out a sigh. "He's up." Just as he was turning a female voice announced her arrival. "Good morning my Lords." Attached to the voice was a young human red headed servant girl. She entered carrying a large silver tray, piled high with meats, eggs and breads. Behind her a tall slender male Cheetah anthro pushed a cart. Atop it, several carafes filled with various liquids. Golden plates, cups and cutlery along with fine linen napkins ready to serve its guests.

“Thank you,” said Nathan as Two Fang jumped off the bed and he curled up with the female screecat licking her affectionately. “Morning, Aramis,” he said to the human male, “I take it this is a special day?”

He looked down at the silver band on his left hand. He turned it over and over as he thought back to the day he and Nathan had wed. It was a day that in many ways completed the circle he had begun with him so many moons ago. Looking at him, "Your asking me? All I know is, your grandfather said if I didn't get your blue scaled hide to the ceremony on time, he'd place my head on top of the tallest spire in the capital."

"Now you know Grandpa would never do that to- The ceremony? Today?" gasped Nathan as he jumped out of bed and hurried over to get his suit, "Why didn't you say so?" He quickly ran so fast that he accidentally fell over Two Fang. The feline yipped but didn't move, for he knew this was a special day for the dragon who raised him from a cub.

Watching Nathan panic caused the man to chuckle. The sound and commotion caused by him tripping over the cat brought one of the Imperial guards to enter the room. "M'Lords, is everything all right?" Another figure entered the room. "Well, well, is the two love birds ready for the big day?"

Seeing his brother dressed in his Captain's garb brought a feeling of pride. Finn reached down and grabbed Nathan arm. "So my little brother in law, ready for your important appointment?" Just then, the sound of little mews filled the air as several little screecats crawled out from under the bed. "Looks like you two aren't the only one that's hungry.”

Nathan smiled as he stood up and watched the screecat cubs pile up on top of their father first and Two Fang purred licking each one and nudged them to their mother. The dragon smiled as the cubs settled down when their mother licked each one affectionately. And then he heard his stomach growl. "I think I might need to eat first," he said blushing.

The three sat down and enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast while the cat's sat in rapture, hoping for something to fall off their plates. None did, but hands did manage to drop a piece or two onto the floor. Just as they finished their meal, Torick entered the room. "Finn! There you are. Your needed in the main reception area. Something about who and where everyone is supposed to be seated.”

"Captain of the guard and royal usher," chuckled Nathan, "I never pictured you as a multitasker, Finn." The screecat cubs were mewing as they were wanting some bacon. But Two Fang, remembering the last time he tried to get his own food, wisely nudged the cubs away from the table.

"Ok you two, it' time we got ready. Torick, would you call and have the dressers come so we can get the Prince ready." Finn stood up to follow the bull. "Ok, you love birds, I'll leave you two to your own devices. See you both later." They watched as the two left the room. Aramis bent down and gave his husband a kiss, just as a group of male stags entered, carrying jeweled and silken clothes. "I think this is my queue to leave you. I'll see you in a bit.”

"Must you go?" asked Nathan as the stags whisked him away to a dressing area and measured him for a fitting as well as slipping him into his already prepared clothes.

"You need to get ready without anymore distractions." laughed the man. "Besides, I have my own list the duties to attend to as well." As Aramis passed the dressers he shouted out, "Oh, and Nathan, the sunburst goes on the back of tunic, not the front" he called out, followed by some good natured laughter echoing down the hallway. Aramis strode quickly across the marbled floor. Turning the corner he entered yet another hallway. This one served as a go between for the staff to access from several parts of the palace. He came to a nondescript door. Opening it he noticed the air was much cooler than normal. A man was standing near an open window with his back to him. "I assume he doesn't suspect anything?" said the man. "No m'Lord", Aramis responded. Turning towards him, the other man gave him a brilliant smile.

Nathan was standing with his wings and arms out for what seemed like hours when it was really 20 minutes when the stags fitted him into his royal coronation robes. He walked over the mirror to see that a long white robe trailed behind him with gold embroidery with snowflake designs. Two Fang came up to the dragon's side and purred. Nathan smiled as he petted the screecat's head. "Well, I guess it's time," he said taking a deep breath and headed out the door.

The hallways and corridors of the palace was a beehive of activity. So many last minute details being attended to before the big moment was to arrive. A massive shadow moved across the marbled hallway. A massive hand grasped the door, pushing the heavy door open without a trace of effort. The Grand Hall was filled with humans and anthros from all walks of life. Mixing in with the royalty were humble creatures, great and small. From the common men and anthros that fought side by side to bring about this joyous occasion.

The sound of footsteps resounded through the hall. Dressed in a dark maroon tailcoat, white linen shirt and black tie. Grey pants that barely contained a pair of massive legs. His dark blond mane tied back into a ponytail. The werehorse strode with utter confidence as he ascended the steps to the dias where the others were waiting.

At last, everyone had settled in and trumpeters sounded to announce the beginning of the ceremony. Nathan was all dressed in white with snowflake patters with his royal robe trailing behind like the wedding train on a bride at her wedding.

Aramis stood among his closest friends. His brother, Torreck and the others who braved their lives to bring him here to this moment. He smiled. This was an eventful moment for the young dragon. He gave his mate a sly smile. He knew he would enjoy the ceremony if he transformed into his equine self. The Emperor stepped forward. With his staff he tapped the floor loudly three times so as to get everyone's attention.

"To my family, friends and loyal subjects. Many trying events have unfolded these past few weeks. Many brave individuals were injured, some have lost their lives, all to bring my long lost grandson home to Azure City." He looked to Nathan and nodded. "Now we must restore the title that was lost when my dear grandson was lost to us. This was Aramis's cue. He stepped over as the Emperor handed him his staff. Finn stepped forward. He held a silver tray that held a crown made of gold and precious gems. "Nathan, step forward.”

Nathan took a deep breath and then walked slowly up to the altar and knelt down on one knee before his grandfather, the emperor. He bowed his head ready to be crowned.

Suddenly the large doors leading into the all opened. Eyes grew wide and mouths gaped open as a handsome slender man dressed all in white strode into the room. A Lion dressed in black announced in a deep baritone voice. "Your royal highness. Jack Frost." Low rumblings of voices filtered through the room. The man stepped up to the dias. He bowed deeply to his father-in-law. "My liege. I hope I didn't keep you waiting. Still in a bowed position he looked over to where the horse was standing. With a slight smile he gave Aramis a wink. The equine smiled back. Looking over at Nathan. The look on the dragon's face made everything he had to do to get his father to the ceremony worth it.

The prince was smiling as he shed tears of joy for seeing his father at such a meaningful moment as this. "Hello, Dad," he said softly and Jack Frost smiled at his son.

Jack looked at his son. No longer the lost child of his dreams. Jack stepped up to the Emperor. The man handed him the crown as tears welled up in his eyes. He turned to face the young kobald. "Today, is a day of great joy and sorrow. So much was lost to me so many years ago. But to be standing here, in the presence of so many of my fellow friends and countrymen. Seeing how strong and assured my son as become. Knowing that he has many in his life that love him and will protect him from future harm. It's more than any father could want or dream about" Looking around at those that assembled he cast his gaze upon his son. "Nathan, do you swear to uphold the laws and customs of Azure. To protect its citizens until your final dying breath. To love and cherish, those who call Azure their home. Whether they be of noble or common birth. So say you?”

"I swear," said Nathan, placing his hand over his heart as he looked up to his father and he meant every word from his heart.

Jack placed the crown upon his son's head. "Rise young Prince." Looking out at the throngs of people he announced. "Today I announce to you, Nathan of Arcadia, ruler of the wilds. Prince to all citizens of Azure, Demos and Kardros. And heir to the throne.

A huge cacophony of voices filled the room, reverberating off the stone walls and ceilings. Loudest of them all was Boris, who let out such a roar, several panes of glass cracked from the sound. Jack pulled his son close to him. Leaning in to say, "Your mother would be very proud of you.”

Nathan smiled and hugged the human. "I love you, Dad," he whispered softly, "And I also wish that Mom was here too." The dragon kissed his human father on the cheek before looking over to the side to look for Aramis.

With one hand on the hilt of his sword, the stallion swagered up to the two. "Well, well, well. Looks like that runt of a boy I found has finally become a man." He shook Jack's hand. "Thank you Sir Knight. I owe you a debt of gratitude so great I don't how I can ever repay you." In his typical style Aramis responded, "Well, you could start by reimbursing my time and energy with some coin from the kingdom's coffers. It wasn't all roses and sunshine having to protect and train your son.”

"Aramis," said Nathan smacking the stallion's chest with a chuckle, "Greed does not become you. Besides, a prince always needs a protector by his side at all times." He cupped Aramis' cheek and kissed his lips.

"See what I have to go through everyday. I tell you Jack. My life is a living hell." With that he pulled the dragon up into his arms and kissed him deeply and passionately. "Remember love, just because your a prince, doesn't mean I'm going to be at your beck and call. I'm still a knight of the realm. I have many duties which involve me protecting and saving people.”

Then Nathan pulled Aramis lower and he whispered into the stallion's ear."How about being a father?" whispered Nathan softly.

Whaaaaaaat! a loud yell came from the horse knight. Followed by reams of laughter echoing through the room.

The End?